What Keeps Jocelyn Bell Burnell Coming Back

During five out of the last six Physics and Astronomy Congresses, renowned astronomer and Sigma Pi Sigma honorary member Jocelyn Bell Burnell has traveled to the meeting and spent the weekend engaging with students and sharing her thoughts on science, the science community, the challenges humanity faces today, and what may lie ahead. Even though she is now an octogenarian, she’ll be in Denver this fall to share another insightful plenary talk! What keeps her engaged? Radiations asked, and here’s what she had to say.

The students who attend Physics and Astronomy Congresses become engineers, programmers, teachers, scientists, professors, and other professionals. What do you hope they take away from attending?

It’s important and useful for students to hear about other physics courses in other colleges (it helps build a broader picture) and also to hear other students’ plans for after their bachelor’s degree—it might give them further thought about their future. This is especially true for students from small colleges.

A good physics understanding is useful, widely applicable, and opens many doors.

Why do you think it’s important for the physics and astronomy community to support the event?

The congress adds hugely to the undergraduate experience, so I hope the physics community continues to support it.

What keeps you coming back?

Coming back allows me to meet the latest cohort of students and to hear some excellent talks.